Originally Posted on HRDive.com
None of 2020’s once-in-a-generation developments completely stemmed the flow of shocking employment law headlines.
It’s been quite the year for HR departments, what with the scrambled transition to remote work, school closures, a presidential election, and a global pandemic.
But none of these developments completely stemmed the flow of shocking allegations and employment law issues featuring in 2020’s headlines. In fact, events like the COVID-19 pandemic made some of those issues even more challenging.
Some stories involved head-scratching decisions by managers and executives on which regulators and courts were quick to pounce, and some involved cases that have been ongoing for years. In this roundup, we look back on 10 of the most frightening headlines that HR teams will remember for years to come.
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Court revives ADA suit involving ‘I hate working with women’ outburst
• Feb. 6, 2020
The employee had requested break time, and the court noted that “an employer’s failure to provide a reasonable accommodation is itself a violation.” Read the full article ➔
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‘Do you want to coach or do you want to pump?’ Worker says NHL team fired her for breastfeeding
• Feb. 28, 2020
A former youth skating coach for the organization that operates the Pittsburgh Penguins sued the company, alleging she was subjected to bias and retaliation. Read the full article ➔
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‘You’re kind of getting up there in years’; 6th Cir. revives age-based firing claim
• Sept. 10, 2020
The statement — made in response to the plaintiff asking why he was being fired — was direct evidence of discrimination, the court said. Read the full article ➔
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Marriott worker called ‘Egyptian rat’ can proceed with claim, 2nd Cir. says
• March 11, 2020
The plaintiff said he drove to company headquarters to complain when HR didn’t respond, allegedly to no avail. Read the full article ➔
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DC Capital Grille server says she was assigned “Section 8” tables based on race
• Oct. 5, 2020
The charge came just one day after an advocacy organization sued the restaurant’s operator alleging wage discrimination. Read the full article ➔
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McDonald’s sues former CEO after probe uncovers 3 more relationships with employees
• Aug. 10, 2020
The chain’s investigation revealed that Steve Easterbrook allegedly tried to destroy information, including nude photos of employees sent from his corporate email. Read the full article ➔
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Call center and staffing agency fired workers due to pregnancies, EEOC says
• May 13, 2020
The agency views discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions as a prohibited form of sex discrimination. Read the full article ➔
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Don’t ‘play the pity card’: Grocer pays $2.8M to settle pregnancy accommodation claims
• Jan. 30, 2020
The store allegedly refused to accommodate pregnant workers, despite offering light duty to those similarly situated, the class action suit said. Read the full article ➔
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EEOC sues restaurant alleging owner solicited waitress for sex
• April 15, 2020
Sexual misconduct is one of the biggest issues the restaurant industry faces, experts, say. Read the full article ➔
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Court rejects employer’s argument that candidate was a bad ‘fit’
• Aug. 31, 2020
Employers must offer a sufficiently clear, nondiscriminatory reason for adverse employment actions, the court explained. Read the full article ➔
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